The Brazil international, who arrived in a £30m deal from Shakhtar Donetsk this summer, now has his sights set on challenging local rivals Manchester United for glory.

And the 28-year-old claimed that Chelsea were in the hunt for his signature this summer, with London rivals Tottenham showing an interest 12 months ago.

He told reporters "I think City are on the way to a similar level to Manchester United. We saw that in the summer when we went on tour - we had loads of supporters. It's going to be a huge club.

"I know there were negotiations between Shakhtar and Chelsea. I don't know the details of those talks because I had already started speaking with City.

"Shakhtar made it clear that I was coming to Manchester. They told me that they had refused an offer.

"There was also a stage a year ago when I spoke to people from Tottenham but nothing came of that."

And Fernandinho has rejected suggestions that he only made the move to Manchester for financial reasons, insisting his sights are firmly set on securing silverware for Manuel Pellegrini's men, who open their Premier League campaign against Newcastle on Monday Night Football.

He added: "If I only wanted money and a comfortable life, I would have stayed in Ukraine. I was in Donetsk for eight years. I was happy there. I won six titles. I knew everyone and I was a big part of the club.

"But I was presented with the challenge of coming to Manchester City and I am aware that over the last few years this is a project which has grown a lot.

"The owners and the people who are managing the team want to win titles and big trophies - and I wanted to be part of that. I came here to win. Of course, I will be paid as a professional footballer but the only thing I'm greedy for is success.

"In my country we say that football is like a huge plate of food. Well, I want to eat everything because I want to win every trophy I can for City."

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.